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Jan von Holleben has a strong connection between the development of his photographic work and the influence of his parents, a cinematographer and child therapist. At the age of 13, he followed his father’s photographic career, picking up a camera and experimenting while developing his photographic imagination and skills with friends and family. After pursuing studies in teaching children with disabilities at the Pädagogische Hochschule in Freiburg, he moved to London and earned a degree in the Theory and History of Photography at Surrey Institute of Art and Design. After graduation, he became immersed in the London photographic scene, working as picture editor, art director, and photographic director.

He set up two photographic collectives, Young Photographers United and Photodebut, followed recently by the Photographer’s Office. Dynamic, colorful, and full of whimsy, von Holleben's work focuses on the ‘homo ludens’ – the man who learns through play. It is itself built from a playful integration of pedagogical theory with his own personal experiences of play and memories of childhood. His work has been exhibited and published internationally.